A TEENAGE thug who terrorised visitors to Fallowfield's Platt Fields Park has been slammed with an indefinite Anti Social Behaviour Order.

Mark Taylor, 14, of Congleton Avenue, Fallowfield was guilty of a long list of offences at the park, according to evidence presented to Manchester Magistrates Court.

The court heard that Taylor, described as 'despicable' by one councillor, had been involved in a growing number of crimes including theft, burglary, criminal damage and taking a car without consent over a two-year period.

Offences committed in Platt Fields Park included throwing stones at visitors using boats on the lake; spitting at visitors and attempting to steal from them and workers; pushing a woman and her child to the ground as he ran from the park; using foul, abusive and racist language; throwing glass bottles near the boating lake as children played and throwing bottles at security officers.

The city council took action against Taylor and as a result he has been given an ongoing ASBO.

Taylor is banned from entering Platt Fields Park, using abusive language or behaviour, threatening or intimidating witnesses and associating with ten other named male youths.

Police say Taylor will be arrested and have further action taken against him if he breaks these terms.

Councillor Basil Curley, who is in charge of housing said: "Our parks are a haven of peace and relaxation and we will take strict and decisive action against anyone who threatens that peace - despicable individuals like Taylor."

Inspector John Graves, who co-ordinates community policing around the park said: "People who are the subject of anti-social behaviour orders must realise that the police will rigorously enforce all prohibitions and conditions contained in them.

"Local people need to be aware of the existence of these powers, as well as the part they have to play in making them work."